Depth perception: Robertson explains All Black selections for third test

RNZ News

3 days ago

All Blacks v France
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 19 July
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
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For the first time in a while, it feels like the All Blacks can make wholesale changes and retain a level of overall experience. Scott Robertson had pledged that all his 33 players in the initial squad would get on the field in this series against France, and his selection for the final test in Hamilton lived up to that.
Prop Tyrel Lomax, loose forward Luke Jacobson, halfback Cortez Ratima, first five Damian McKenzie, centre Anton Lienert-Brown and wing Sevu Reece come back into the starting line-up, a combined total of 199 caps.
Ruben Love will earn his second at fullback, while Brodie McAlister will presumably debut, making the whole situation a far more manageable one than potentially having to blood a bunch of players at once.
Ruben Love
Photo:
Christopher Jue/ActionPress
"Good combinations, a good balanced squad and they get the opportunity this weekend," said Robertson at the team naming press conference.
"Like any plan, you always adjust. Look it's got a great mixture of experience in the in the group."
Whether by accident or design, Robertson has ended up with a Chiefs-heavy All Black side. There are seven in the starting team, including the inside back combination of Ratima and McKenzie.
"It was a consideration that they know their way around the park down the road here pretty well. Play a lot of footy together, which always helps. They get to run out in front of their people."
However, there is one area where the All Blacks are making do. Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa'i's injuries mean that they are going in with only two specialist locks, and while Fabian Holland has been very impressive in his first two tests, a lot will now rest on the shoulders of Patrick Tuipulotu. Robertson said the contingency plan was enacted last weekend.
All Black Samipeni Finau on the charge against France in the first rugby test at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. 5 July 2025.
Photo:
Peter Meecham
"We considered Naitoa (Ah Kuoi), but Samipeni (Finau) finished the game last week at lock. It's good for us, you know how I like to make sure players can play a couple of positions, and he's like that. The last three weeks and set him up so he can do two roles, six and lock."
While Finau may end up in the engine room again, Love will likely have a lot of work to do covering the back field. France have shown a commitment to kicking long for territory in the two tests so far, but Robertson was confident the Hurricanes fullback will handle the pressure, as well as the possibility of playing first five.
"He's ready for this. We expect a lot of kicking and he's great under the high ball. And he's got a great boot himself. So he gives us that depth that's required."
France names their side tonight, with coach Fabien Galthié expected to move back to the team that pushed the All Blacks to a 31-27 result in the first test. Despite heavy rain all week in the upper North Island, the weather is expected to clear by Saturday night for what will be a capacity crowd at FMG Stadium Waikato.